Pornament is Crime #8: Weenie Waving for the Elephant 1987

"Pornament is Crime #8: Weenie Waving for the Elephant" (1987) by Joyce Kozloff is a mixed-media work on paper that combines elements of Hindu mythology and contemporary pop culture. The central figure of the composition is the Hindu deity Ganesha, a remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. Ganesha is depicted in a traditional style, but Kozloff's work is notable for its inclusion of modern elements such as the use of playful slang, the irreverent depiction of nude figures in the upper portion of the composition, and the bright, bold colors. Kozloff's work, which is influenced by her experience living in India, often uses the figure of Ganesha to explore themes of cultural identity and the interplay between tradition and modernity. This particular work is considered part of Kozloff's larger "Pornament is Crime" series, which uses humor and subversion to critique Western notions of art and culture.